MY WEEK WITH THE 2023 LEXUS RX 500H F SPORT PERFORMANCE

EV Channels Review

The 2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance offers a compelling blend of power and luxury, but with notable caveats. The reviewer praises its punchy acceleration, immediate electric zip, and agile handling, noting it feels lean and athletic. The sporty suspension is well-tuned, providing a comfortable ride that strikes a good balance for daily driving. However, the "F Sport Performance" designation comes with summer tires, requiring caution in colder weather. On the downside, the forward cross-traffic alert is deemed overly sensitive and intrusive, and the head-up display, while informative, can be cluttered and occasionally obstructive. The hybrid system's transitions are not entirely seamless, with occasional jolts. Most significantly, the real-world fuel economy of 22.2 MPG falls considerably short of the advertised 27/28 MPG, making the hybrid efficiency questionable. Despite these drawbacks, the RX 500h is positioned as a strong contender, offering a unique combination of performance and efficiency compared to rivals like the Genesis GV80 and Acura MDX Type S, though its premium fuel requirement adds to the cost.